Are you looking to upgrade from a 2080 Super and wondering which used EVGA 3080 models are best for you?
Are you looking to upgrade from a 2080 Super and wondering which used EVGA 3080 models are best for you?
I own an 11th generation system equipped with a 2080 Super, specifically an EVGA RTX 2080 SUPER Black (08G-P4-3081-KR).
Currently, I’m unable to spend more than a used 3080 model, especially after selling my 2080 Super.
My GPU is used not only for gaming but also for video encoding and running small language models.
I’m considering keeping this setup as a legacy machine for my PhysX32 games, which I have several titles for, and I don’t think AMD would be the best fit here.
While there’s usually minimal difference between GPU generations, the 3080 seems to offer a noticeable boost in performance and more VRAM capacity.
I’m wondering if opting for the 12GB version will really make a big impact compared to the standard 10GB model—probably not enough to justify the upgrade.
At the moment I’ll stick with 1080p resolution, but I hope to get a 4K monitor soon, which could also help with LLMs.
Initially, I was thinking about the EVGA RTX 3080 FTW3, though I’m concerned it might need three 8-pin power cables (my PSU is 850 watts, and I have multiple SSDs and HDDs).
I also worry about the size—placing it next to my sound card and RAID drive could block the fan’s airflow if it sits too close.
I noticed a smaller RTX 3080 XC3 that matches the thickness of my current 2080 Super, and it only requires two 8-pin power connectors.
It offers better cooling and more space for overclocking, but I’m not sure I’ll be pushing the card to its limits.
Performance differences between similar GPUs and VRAM sizes aren’t huge, but factors like build quality, power delivery, or thermal management might matter.
I searched for comparisons but found limited useful info.
I’m seeking advice from others on which model would suit my needs best.
I own a 850 watt PSU.
For an RTX 3080, ensure the power supply can handle around 1.2KW when fully loaded. The RTX 3000 line is recognized for strong temporary power demands, so it’s wise to go over the wattage estimate. Cards from that time were often used heavily in mining, which could lead to early failure if the PSU isn’t robust enough.
Overclocking increases power consumption compared to a non-overclocked setup. Could you share the PSU’s brand, model, and age? How long has it been supporting your system?
PSU is a SeaSonic PRIME PX 850 W 80+ model from 2020. It has powered various components including 5-6 HDDs, three NVME drives, two SSDs, an optical drive, fans, the GPU, sound card, and raid card. This setup appears to be an updated configuration with a few temporary drives removed.
https://pcpartpicker.com/user/Cyber_Akum...iew=vJypBm
Those who chose an RTX 3080 were recommended to consider a PSU with consistent power output between 1KW and 1.2KW. Those opting for the RTX 3090 received guidance to select a unit delivering around 1.5KW reliably built. Aris from Hardware Busters verified these figures and shared the advice.
It might be worth considering going for a 4070 Super, but that would require a 12VHPWR adapter and could cause problems since many units have a backplate that might block the card from fitting under your sound card. This situation is really frustrating.
Not too far-fetched, though—your budget will play a big role. You might want to consider cards such as the 9060xt 16gb or the 5060ti 16gb.
If you’re purchasing something around $300 in the US, it’s fine, but if you need an extra $100 for a better power supply, I’d suggest the two cards I mentioned instead.
First, they’re brand new, second, they offer more VRAM with the 16gb versions, and third, their raster performance should be quite similar.
I saw a review a few months ago on YouTube comparing an RX 6800/6800xt to a 9060xt 16gb—raw power was pretty close. Plus, both newer cards still provide decent ray tracing and support for DLSS 4 or FSR4.
Overall, your choice depends on whether you want to upgrade other components too. If not, it could save you a bit of money.
They’re looking for around $300 used, while 4070 Supers are priced between $450 and $500. My current 2080 Super also seems to fetch about $200 to $300.
I was aiming for $300 but might be able to get closer to $400. As mentioned, I’m not just using it for gaming; I also handle video encoding and LLMs, so AMD isn’t an option for me. The same applies to the 5000 series because of its lack of 32bit PhysX support.
I don’t plan to replace the PSU anytime soon—it would cost as much as the card replacement itself. I also don’t want to rewire everything again after only a few connections. Upgrading the PSU wouldn’t be worth it. Instead, I’m leaning toward upgrading my card, possibly a 4070 Super, if I can manage the space and 12VHPWR requirements.
Personally, I’m playing Mirror’s Edge, The Arkham games (except Knight), The Metro series, Borderlands 2 (and possibly Pre-Sequel? I don’t have confirmation), Alice Madness Returns, and a few others I might have missed.